Coffee w/#The Freight Coach Chris Jolly

Acquire tons of knowledge in technology utilization from today’s episode with Chris Torrence!
Chris joins the show to cover the importance of maintaining a neutral mindset in the freight industry, the role of AI in automation and augmentation, the significance of human-to-human interaction, Optum's focus on optimization, and the challenges in technology adoption, data fragmentation, and standardization. There’s more to learn from our conversation, so don’t miss out! 
 
About Chris Torrence
A Visionary Leader in Transportation and Logistics Technology, Chris Torrence serves as the Chief Strategy Officer at Optym, Inc. Torrence possesses over 20 years of vast and equally diverse experience within the commercial logistics, transportation, and supply chain solutions industry. From the US military to industry-leading incumbents and hyper-growth start-ups, he has worn virtually every functional hat imaginable within the space. He fundamentally believes the ability to harmonize human capital with advanced technology is paramount for success in the modern day freight ecosystem.
Prior to joining Optym, Chris proudly served in the United States Air Force with three wartime tours of duty under his belt. While on active-duty, he was charged with overseeing logistics readiness, joint task force operations, and installation deployment planning for the Department of Defense. Following his military service, Chris spent over a decade at global 3PL behemoth, C.H. Robinson, primarily with the TMC division whereby he was selected to work onsite managing the complex logistical needs for multinational Fortune 100 shippers. This unique exposure equipped him with the ability to truly understand the intricacies of enterprise supply chains from multiple vantage points. 
Chris was later tapped to help orchestrate the launching of Uber Freight, to include the autonomous truck program as part of Uber's Advanced Technologies Group. He subsequently led global expansion efforts at premier SaaS visibility provider, FourKites, Inc., before becoming a senior executive at Arrive Logistics, one of the fastest growing freight brokerages in the United States. Most recently, Chris led strategic sales and go-to-market strategy for Optimal Dynamics, a Princeton University spinoff specializing in advanced AI and sequential decision analytics within the trucking sector. During his three year tenure at OD, Chris personally generated over 80% of the organization's total revenue (ARR/TCV). He was also a critical piece in securing north of $56 million in VC funding. 
Chris Torrence's combination of industry knowledge, leadership success, strategic vision, and passion for innovation makes him a compelling and influential speaker for transportation and logistics media and events. His insights into the intersection of technology, AI, and logistics are invaluable for audiences keen on navigating the complexities of the modern-day freight ecosystem.
 
Connect with Chris
Website: https://optym.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-torrence-0ab7923b/  
📊📉 Don’t miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎
 
🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!
 
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https://info.denim.com/chrisjolly     https://spi3pl.com/   https://www.greenscreens.ai/thefreightcoach   https://tai-software.com/   
🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting https://brokercarrier.com/.
 
🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇
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Let’s start this week by discussing some relevant articles and the latest trends in the transportation market!
Today’s episode highlights the customer quoting process for a shipment, market conditions and theories, and US imports and supply chain challenges! 
 
Resources / References

https://www.ttnews.com/articles/ups-sell-coyote-logistics-rxo  https://www.ttnews.com/articles/fleets-surviving-soft-freight  https://www.joc.com/article/us-imports-accelerate-inland-transport-lags-cscmp_20240621.html   
📊📉 Don’t miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎
🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!
 
🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇
https://info.denim.com/chrisjolly   https://spi3pl.com/ https://www.greenscreens.ai/thefreightcoach  https://tai-software.com/  
🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting https://brokercarrier.com/. 
 
🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw
📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/ 
🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach 
💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

In today’s episode, Stephen Lusk joins the show to speak about the current freight market downturn, driver experience and support, growth strategies, and Evergreen Industry’s successful lease purchase program.
Subscribe and listen to this conversation to better understand financial responsibilities and lease agreements in the trucking business!
 
About Stephen Lusk
Stephen Lusk is the Driver Hiring Manager for EverGreen Industries in Liberty, MS. In his role, Stephen oversees the marketing, recruiting, and orienting of new drivers to the company. While at EverGreen, Stephen has witnessed the full adaptation of ELD technology, the transitioning of the recruiting firm from paper to an industry-leading ATS, and the ever-changing regulatory landscape of Washington. He joined the company after graduating from Mississippi State University in 2018. Stephen is 2022 Heavy Duty Trucking Emerging Leader and actively pursuing a CDL Class A license. In his free time, he practices Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and tends to his garden.   
 
Connect with Stephen
Website: https://evergreenindustriesinc.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenlusk/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DriveEverGreen/  
📊📉 Don’t miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎
 
🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!
 
🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇
https://info.denim.com/chrisjolly     https://spi3pl.com/   https://www.greenscreens.ai/thefreightcoach   https://tai-software.com/   
🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting https://brokercarrier.com/.
 
🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw 
📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/ 
🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach 
💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

Today’s live episode with Dan Hellmann focuses on the significance of teamwork and collaboration! 
Keep tuning in as Dan also covers some topics such as market adaptation, quoting processes, operational efficiency and profitability, and technology integration!
 
About Dan Hellmann
With a career spanning 18 years in the transportation and logistics industry, Dan Hellmann is a dynamic and results-driven leader. Currently serving as the Chief Sales Officer at Tabi Connect, he has been at the forefront of the company's success for the past 3.5 years. In this role, Dan leads sales, marketing, account management, and customer success, driving the company's growth and ensuring client satisfaction.
Dan is deeply involved in industry associations, serving as a Board Member for the Logistics and Transportation Association of North America (LTNA), an active member of the Young Executive Committee for the Transportation Intermediaries Association, and serves as a Board Member for the Denver Transportation Club. 
A true veteran in the brokerage field, Dan Hellmann has accumulated invaluable experience in sales leadership, P&L management, and strategy. His journey includes successfully starting up a brokerage for a former customer, steering it to an impressive $50 million in revenue.
Dan brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to industry events. His passion for innovation, strategic thinking, and commitment to excellence make him a compelling voice in the world of transportation and logistics.
 
Connect with Dan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-hellmann-ctb/  Email: DanH@tabiconnect.com  
📊📉 Don’t miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎
 
🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!
 
🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇
https://info.denim.com/chrisjolly     https://spi3pl.com/   https://www.greenscreens.ai/thefreightcoach   https://tai-software.com/   
🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting https://brokercarrier.com/.
 
🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw 
📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/ 
🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach 
💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

Join this show today as we talk about updates on diesel prices and the importance of monitoring it for accurate bidding, digital brokerage and technology, the impact of produce season on freight rates in specific regions, and most importantly, customer communication strategies! 
 
Resources / References
https://www.ttnews.com/articles/werner-ceo-freight-normal  https://www.joc.com/article/transfix-sale-highlights-vcs-uneasy-fit-freight-brokerage_20240617.html   
📊📉 Don’t miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎
 
🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!
 
🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇
https://info.denim.com/chrisjolly     https://spi3pl.com/   https://www.greenscreens.ai/thefreightcoach   https://tai-software.com/   
🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting https://brokercarrier.com/.
 
🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw 
📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/ 
🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach 
💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

Gabe Pankonin is back for another live session about the current freight market condition!
Today, Gabe emphasizes the importance of managing expectations and maintaining high-quality service for brokers, the challenges from the rising carrier rates, and the role of having efficient processes and technology for competitiveness!
 
About Gabe Pankonin
"Gabe has always had a knack for sales and relationships - a skillset that has led him to run a successful, fast-growing freight startup in the industry.
After several years servicing E-comm companies moving big and bulky freight, one painful reality set in: Brands had the marketing skills to grow quickly, but they were NO match for outdated LTL shipping solutions.
Gabe saw this issue plaguing the LTL space...that as shippers get bigger and start to handle more shipments, half of their business turns into the logistics of just getting things to people's homes
Which is why he started Rocket Shipping; Mid-Market Managed Transportation!
Rocket's Core Values are an extension of Gabe's deeply held beliefs. Faith, Family, Joy, Grit, and Integrity. Ultimately, the goal Gabe set for Rocket has and always will be to build predictable and repeatable revenue and to impact the people who work with and at Rocket Shipping for many years to come!"
Connect with Gabe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabe-pankonin/
 
📊📉 Don’t miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎
 
🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!
 
🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇
https://info.denim.com/chrisjolly     https://spi3pl.com/   https://www.greenscreens.ai/thefreightcoach   https://tai-software.com/   
🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting https://brokercarrier.com/.
 
🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw 
📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/ 
🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach 
💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/